Genetic variability of forage grass cultivars: A comparison of Festuca pratensis Huds., Lolium perenne L., and Dactylis glomerata L.

Three widely used cultivars of each of the species Festuca pratensis Huds., Lolium perenne L., and Dactylis glomerata L. were investigated by means of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and vegetative growth traits in order to investigate genetic variability within each cultivar and to compare the level of diversity among cultivars and species. RAPD markers allowed a clear separation of the three species. Genetic variability based on RAPD markers was considerably lower for F. pratensis cultivars than for L. perenne and D. glomerata cultivars which showed similar levels of variability. The proportion of variability due to variation within cultivars, determined by an analysis of molecular variance, was lower in F. pratensis (64.6%) than in L. perenne (82.4%) and D. glomerata (85.1%). A comparison of F. pratensis and L. perenne, based on vegetative growth traits, confirmed the differences in genetic variability within cultivars. F. pratensis showed lower coefficients of genetic variation for eight of ten traits when compared to L. perenne. This study demonstrates considerable differences in genetic variability which may have consequences for the adaptability and persistency of individual cultivars. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic characteristics of Korean weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) by RFLP analysis

Summary The genetic characteristics and classification of 24 strains of Korean weedy rice, two strains of foreign red rice, three Japonica cultivars, one Tongil cultivar and one Indica cultivar (Oryza sativa L.) were investigated at the DNA level using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Eighty-three random combinations between six restriction enzymes and forty genomic DNA probes (RG# and KR#) were assayed. Thirty-seven (92.5%) out of the forty probes used showed polymorphisms among the 31 accessions assayed. A high level of polymorphism was found between short and long grain type Korean weedy rices, whereas fewer polymorphisms were presented among strains within each grain type. A dendrogram summarizing genetic similarity coefficients among thirty-one accessions was constructed based on their DNA polymorphisms. The Korean weedy rice strains were classified into two groups identical to the short and long grain types classified by morphological and physiological characters. From the RFLP analysis, it was deduced that the short grain strains of Korean weedy rice belonged to Japonica, while the long grain strains were closer to Indica than to Japonica, and were differentiated into a local ecotype surviving in the growth conditions in the southern part of the Korean peninsula.     

The Effect of Sward Management on the Mineral Content of Winter Grazed Herbage

No information is available regarding the mineral content of autumn‐saved herbage during winter grazing under Central European conditions. Therefore, P, K, Na, Mg and Ca concentrations of autumn‐saved growths of Festuca arundinacea and Lolium perenne were analysed considering the potential influence of pre‐utilization (saved from June or July), date of winter harvest (December, January, February) and year (three winters). For all years date of winter harvest was the main source of variance, whereas date of preceding cut had no relevant effect on the mineral concentrations during winter. Already in December P [2.3 to 4.0 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM)], Na (0.3 to 3 g kg^?1 DM) and Mg (1.0 to 2.4 g kg^?1 DM) concentrations were mostly below the required levels for ruminants. The lowest values were detected in February. K levels ranged between 6.6 g kg^?1 DM in February and 23.4 g kg^?1 DM in December; on average, K concentrations decreased about 10 g kg^?1 DM with advancing winter. Ca concentrations (2.9 to 7.4 g kg^?1 DM) hardly changed during winter. Related to higher growth rates of F. arundinacea before December, P and Ca concentrations were diluted, but regarding Mg, more wintergreen F. arundinacea reached higher values than L. perenne especially at the beginning of winter.     

Genetic markers and the selection of quantitative traits in forage grasses

Summary Marker assisted selection is based upon the principle that if a gene (or block of genes) is linked to an easily identifiable genetic marker it may be more efficient to select in a breeding programme for the marker than for the trait itself. The recent developments in molecular marker technology has allowed several approaches to be applied to the forage grasses. The most effective methods involve the production of detailed genetic maps which can be used for determination of the location of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs). Application of these methods toLolium has lead to the identification of 10 QTL's affecting mainly phenological characteristics. Up to 80% of the variation in inflorescence production in the establishment year may be accounted for by one region of the genome.     

Genetic variation and heritability of forage yield in Mediterranean tall fescue

The genetic control of tall fescue forage yield has been poorly investigated. Full‐sib families from diallel crosses of Mediterranean germplasm were evaluated for forage yield over 34 months in a Mediterranean environment with severe drought stress (diallel 1, with 20 parents) and over 16 months under irrigation in a heated greenhouse simulating the Mediterranean temperature pattern (diallel 2, with 15 parents). Genetic parameters were estimated for fresh biomass in diallel 1 and dry‐matter yield in diallel 2. Additive genetic variance was always larger than non‐additive (dominance) variance. Narrow‐sense heritability was fairly high (h² = 0.61) in diallel 1 and moderate (h² = 0.45) in diallel 2. Predicted yield gains from one selection cycle were larger in the former diallel (23.9%) than in the latter (10.5%), suggesting that gains can be enhanced by selection under severe drought stress and over a time span sufficient to allow the variation in persistence to fully emerge. General combining ability effects of eight parents that were common to both diallel crosses were highly correlated (r = 0.94) across the contrasting evaluation environments. The extent and consistency of additive genetic effects across environments suggest that rapid improvement of forage yield is possible.     

Introgression of crown rust resistance from Festuca spp. into Lolium multiflorum

Crown rust, Puccinia coronata Corda, causes one of the most damaging foliar diseases in Italian ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. For introgression of crown rust resistance, highly resistant hybrids of the crosses Festuca arundinacea (2n = 6x = 42) ×L. multiflorum (2n = 4x = 28) and reciprocally, L. multiflorum (2n = 2x = 14) ×Festuca pratensis (2n = 4x = 28) and subsequently resistant recombinant individuals were used as female parents and susceptible cultivars of Italian ryegrass as male parents in three successive backcrosses. The BC₃ plants were selfed and crossed mutually. Uredospores of seven different crown rust isolates collected from plants of L. multiflorum, Lolium perenne, F. pratensis, F. arundinacea and L. multiflorum × F. pratensis hybrids were applied to identify the resistance or susceptibility of the parental species, backcrossed, selfed and intercrossed progenies. The various crown rust populations revealed a species-specific capability to infect plants of the Lolium-Festuca complex corresponding to the host species from which the spores originated. Selected BC⁹ plants, however, were found to be completely resistant to all crown rust populations tested. Successful introgression of the resistance was achieved from F. arundinacea as well as from F. pratensis. The resistance represents a dominant character, apparently based on a strong heterologous incompatibility between host and pathogen. In phenotype, bivalent formation during meiosis and in fertility, the novel germplasms are comparable with the L. multiflorum cultivars.     

铈浸种对两种草坪植物种子萌发及其初期生长的影响

通过研究稀土元素浸种对黑麦草和高羊茅种子萌发及初期生长影响,结果表明：铈浸种有助于高羊茅和黑麦草的萌发和初期生长,其最适宜的浓度范围是200～300 mg/L.硝酸铈浓度为250 mg/L时,黑麦草种子活力指数最高,和对照相比增加了63.0%,而高羊茅在硝酸铈浓度为300 mg/L时最高,比对照提高了90.9%.200 mg/L和250 mg/L硝酸铈能显著促进两种草坪植物幼苗株高生长,和对照相比,黑麦草在播种后第4天最高增加了86.4%,高羊茅在播种后第7天增加了58.9%.铈浸种也能明显促进草坪植物生物量的积累及根系生长,硝酸铈浓度为200 mg/L时,黑麦草获得最高的地上生物量,比对照增加了28.8%,而高羊茅在硝酸铈浓度为300 mg/L时地上生物量为最大,比对照增加了39.9%.当硝酸铈浓度为250 mg/L时,黑麦草根长、根重分别比对照增加65.4%、83.8%,而高羊茅的根长是对照的2.07倍,根重比对照增加50.0%,须根数也明显多于对照;并且两种草坪植物的根冠比也都得到明显的提高,有利于提高草坪植物的抗旱性.     

Genetic characterization of 218 elite CIMMYT maize inbred lines using RFLP markers

Characterization of genetic diversity among maize inbred lines can facilitate organization of germplasm and improve efficiency of breeding programs. A set of 218 phenotypically diverse inbred maize lines developed at CIMMYT for hybrid production was characterized using 32 RFLP markers to: (1) analyze the genetic diversity present; (2) define potential heterotic groups based on clusters formed with marker data; and (3) identify the most representative testers for each potential heterotic group. Lines were clustered using five different genetic distance measurements to find consensus non-hierarchical clusters. Dendrograms were produced to study hierarchical classification within smaller groups of lines. A very high average allelic diversity was seen in this germplasm. Lines did not cluster based on phenotype, environmental adaptation, grain color or type, maturity, or heterotic response (as determined based on hybrid performance with testers), but lines related by pedigree usually did cluster together. Previously defined testers from opposite heterotic groups were not genetically differentiated, and did not represent well their heterotic group. Discrete clusters were difficult to find; thus, potential heterotic groups will be difficult to suggest using RFLP markers alone. However, suggestions on how to use molecular markers and cross performance information to refine heterotic groups and select representative testers are presented.     

Genetic diversity in tropical maize inbred lines: heterotic group assignment and hybrid performance determined by RFLP markers

Tropical maize inbred lines, eight derived from a Thai synthetic population (BR‐105) and 10 from a Brazilian composite population (BR‐106), were assayed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms with 185 clone‐enzyme combinations. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic distances among tropical maize material and their relationship to heterotic group allocation and hybrid performance. Genetic distances (GDs) were on average greater for BR‐105×BR‐106 lines (0.77) than for BR‐106×BR‐106 (0.71) and for BR‐105×BR‐105 (0.69) lines. Cluster analysis resulted in a clear separation of BR‐105 and BR‐106 populations and was according to pedigree information. Correlations of parental GDs with single crosses and their heterosis for grain yield were high for line crosses from the same heterotic group and low for line combinations from different heterotic groups. Our results suggest that RFLP‐based GDs are efficient and reliable to assess and allocate genotypes from tropical maize populations into heterotic groups. However, RFLP‐based GDs are not suitable for predicting the performance of line crosses from genetically different heterotic groups.     

Genetic diversity of barley cultivars grown in Spain, estimated by RFLP, similarity and coancestry coefficients

This study was conducted with the objective of characterizing the genetic variation among a representative set of 37 barley cultivars currently grown in Spain, using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Thirty-two RFLP probes, in combination with three restriction enzymes, were used to analyse polymorphism at the molecular level. Genetic distances (GD), based on RFLP band patterns, and coancestry coefficients (f), based on pedigree records, were calculated. Of the 95 clone-enzyme combinations analysed, 71 (74.7%) were polymorphic, representing 246 RFLP patterns. A cluster analysis of GD split the sample into five distinct germplasm groups that were consistent with the history of the cultivars (winter European, spring European, CIMMYT-ICARDA materials, the single cultivar ‘Dobla’ and Spanish local materials). The Spanish group was the most distinct one and had unique alleles at markers close to major loci determining phonological adaptation. The probes which best distinguished among groups were also identified. Genetic similarity estimates were moderately consistent with f (for cultivars with complete pedigrees). The implications for integration of diversity studies into breeding programmes are discussed.     

A comparative analysis of the genetic relationships between rye cultivars using RFLP and RAPD markers

Summary The genetic similarities of eight closely related rye cultivars were estimated using two molecular marking techniques: restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Cultivars were evaluated for variation by 11 random cDNA and genomic clones used in combination with four restriction enzymes and 40 decamer primers. A total of 53 polymorphic RFLP fragments and 94 polymorphic RAPD fragments were observed. Based on the presence/absence of fragments, two genetic similarity matrices were calculated which were then used in cluster analysis. Differences between pair of cultivars were observed in RFLP and RAPD dendrograms. RFLP analysis produced estimates of genetic relationships more in accordance with the partially known pedigree of the cultivars than did RAPD analysis. The use of bulk samples of DNA in these analyses affected the sensitivity of RAPD assays more strongly. Dendrograms which took into account all fragments produced, either by RFLP or RAPD, reflected better the relationships between cultivars than did dendrograms based on only one type of marker. This reflects the importance of the number of markers used in determining the genetic relationships between genotypes.     

Genetic organization of aromatic rice as revealed by RAPD markers: A case study in conserving crop genetic resources on farm

Summary On-farm conservation of landraces is one strategy to maintain the diversity of crop germplasm in local agro-ecosystems. The genetic structures of landraces are a key biological factor in on-farm conservation strategies. To accumulate a genetic understanding that will help establish a methodology for on-farm conservation, the genetic organization of landraces of aromatic rice in Namdinh province, Vietnam was analyzed using RAPD markers. Eighteen RAPD markers detected 38 genotypes among 320 aromatic rice samples growing at 23 sites of farmers' fields and in the experimental field that derived from 13 sites. Geographical variation was observed in the frequency of genotypes, whereas individual landraces could not be distinguished by RAPD markers. Genetic variation within a site was generally smaller than that among sites. The degree of genetic similarity of the plants in a site varied among sites, as did the number of genotypes. Changes in genetic structure over time were investigated using experimental populations each derived from approximately 30 plants from 13 farmers' fields. The differences detected by DNA markers between the genetic structural in the farmers' fields and those in experimental fields suggested that genetic drift is a major cause of these differences. The present study suggests that DNA markers are an essential means to monitor the genetic structures of heterogeneous landraces of rice, and are useful for selecting study sites for the on-farm conservation of genetic diversity as well as for successive monitoring.     

水稻白条纹叶突变体wsl1的遗传分析及基因精细定位

从粳稻日本晴和籼稻R1128杂交衍生的重组自交系群体中获得一个稳定遗传的白条纹叶突变体wsl1(white stripe leaf 1),世代为F10。与亲本R1128相比,突变体wsl1表现出白条纹叶,同时叶脉呈现白化,该性状在苗期就出现并持续整个生育期;突变体的株高、每穗总粒数、剑叶长、生育期显著增加,而结实率显著下降,其他农艺性状没有显著变化。分蘖期突变体wsl1的叶绿素a、叶绿素b和胡萝卜素含量较杂交亲本R1128显著下降;透射电镜观察表明,与野生型相比,突变体的叶绿体形状异常,不规则。遗传分析表明,该突变性状由1对隐性核基因控制。精细定位后发现,目标基因WSL1位于第1染色体短臂上标记M1-54与标记M1-70之间,两者相距89.7kb。生物信息学分析表明候选区间内共有8个开放阅读框,暂未发现已报道的叶色相关基因;其中LOC_Os01g02080编码肽基脯氨酰顺反异构酶,GO(Gene Ontology)分类显示其可能与类囊体形成有关,后续将通过比较测序、qRT-PCR等分子实验来确定候选基因。     

基于通路分析剖析水稻农艺性状配合力和杂种优势

按照NCII遗传交配设计构建测交群体,考察包括产量性状在内的9个农艺性状,对水稻农艺性状表型、配合力和杂种优势进行通路分析,以期为水稻品种的培育和改良提供理论基础。结果表明,主穗实粒数与生物调控、千粒重与半胱氨酸和蛋氨酸代谢、主穗长与SNARE相关囊泡运动、主穗一/二次枝梗与依赖DNA的转录、株高与大分子代谢过程、主穗颖花数与花粉识别、有效穗数与水解酶活性、单株实粒重与嘌呤核苷结合等通路相关。为获得优良性状,高配合力,杂种优势可以从某一性状的相关通路进行研究,找到调控该通路的相关基因,以期为改良水稻一般配合力和获得杂种优势提供一定帮助。     

基于形态学性状和SSR标记的花生品种遗传多样性分析和特异性鉴定

以101份南方花生区试品种为材料,利用形态学性状和SSR标记进行品种遗传多样性分析和特异性鉴定。结果表明, 29个形态学性状中有7个无多样性,其余22个的多样性指数为0.23～0.77,平均为0.43。在相似系数为0.76处,将供试品种划分为七大类群,同一育种单位的品种倾向于聚在一起。用40个SSR标记共检测出167个等位基因,单个标记检测的等位基因数2～6个,平均为4.18个。标记的多态性信息量(PIC)差异较大,最大为0.79,最小为0.26,平均为0.55。在相似系数为0.70处,供试品种可被划分为六大类群,同一省份育成的品种多聚为一类。Mantel检验发现品种间的形态学性状和SSR标记的相似系数矩阵相关性弱(r=0.36),SSR标记无法取代形态学性状单独用于花生品种特异性鉴定,但两者相结合能有效提高花生品种特异性鉴定的准确性。     

Intrachromosomal mapping of genes for dwarfing (Rht12) and vernalization response (Vrn1) in wheat by using RFLP and microsatellite markers

For intrachromosomal mapping of the dominant GA-sensitive dwarfing gene Rht12 and the vernalization response gene Vrn1 on chromosome 5 A, an F₂ population was established using a wide (synthetic) wheat cross. In addition to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes four microsatellite markers were incorporated. Rht12 was mapped distally to four RFLP loci (Xmwg616, Xpsr164, Xwg114, Xpsr1201) and three microsatellite markers (Xgwm179, Xgwm410, Xgwm291), known to be located on the segment of chromosome SAL which was ancestrally translocated and is homoeologous to Triticeae 4 L. The map position of Rht12 suggests that it is homoeologous to the dominant GA-sensitive dwarfing gene Ddw1, present on chromosome 5RL. The vernalization response gene Vrn1 showed linkage to Xwg644, as might be expected from comparative maps.     

Genetic characterization of wild barley populations (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) from Kazakhstan based on genome wide SNP analysis

The wild ancestral form of barley, Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum, is a valuable source for gene enrichment of cultivated barley. The purpose of this work was to study the area of distribution as well as the extent and structure of genetic variation of wild barley populations grown in Kazakhstan. It was found that distribution of wild barley populations in Kazakhstan is restricted to the most southern province. A genome wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed in order to study the level of the genetic diversity in 96 accessions representing 14 wild barley populations from Kazakhstan and 25 accessions from the Middle East which is the center of diversity of this subspecies. The oligonucleotide pooled assay was used to genotype 384 SNPs distributed throughout the genome. In total 233 polymorphic SNPs were selected for further statistical analysis. The level of genetic diversity of wild barley populations from Kazakhstan was predictably narrower (He = 0.19 ± 0.01) in comparison with wild barley samples from the Middle East (He = 0.29 ± 0.01). The results suggested that H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum populations in Kazakhstan probably represent a recent spread of a limited number of plants from the primary distribution area and might be well adapted to winter low temperature.     

基于超薄等电聚焦电泳技术的杂交水稻种子纯度鉴定

为评价超薄等电聚焦电泳技术鉴定杂交水稻种子纯度的准确性;分别利用超薄等电聚焦电泳技术和田间小区种植技术鉴定杂交水稻64S×G67F1种子纯度,比较两者的吻合程度。结果表明:用超薄等电聚焦电泳技术鉴定的种子纯度和大田种植鉴定的纯度完全吻合;说明超薄等电聚焦电泳技术鉴定杂交水稻种子纯度结果准确可靠。     

Genetic relationships in cultivars of hop, Humulus lupulus L., determined by RAPD analysis

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to evaluate the genetic variability and relationship of 65 hop cultivars from all the major hop-growing regions in the world. Twenty-eight selected random primers used in the RAPD reaction generated an average of 38.6%) polymorphic fragments, which was sufficient to produce 47 different RAPD profiles among the cultivars examined. The level of genetic variability was much higher than previously reported. Genetic similarity was estimated and UPGMA cluster analysis was performed using the RAPD data. Cluster analysis separated the cultivars into genetically related RAPD groups which were compared with pedigree data and grouping of the hop cultivars by essential oil type. The RAPD groups, strongly supported by pedigree data, gave more precise information on the level and distribution of genetic variability within hop cultivars than characterization by essential oils. Cultivars were divided into American and European groups, supporting the distinction between two geo-graphically distinct hop germplasms. Five genetically distinct groups revealed differences within the European germplasm, reflecting past hop breeding practices which have been adopted in different regions. The use of RAPD markers for hop germplasm characterization and genetic diversity study is discussed.